Total Protein and Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)
Separates blood proteins into fractions to flag monoclonal proteins behind myeloma and related disorders.
Consider this test if:
- High total protein or a low albumin-to-globulin ratio on routine bloodwork that needs explaining
- Unexplained bone pain, anemia, recurrent infections, kidney problems, or high calcium
- Following a known monoclonal gammopathy such as MGUS over time
- Investigating chronic inflammation, liver disease, or suspected immune deficiency
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Results delivered to your dashboard · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
No fasting required. A standard serum blood draw is sufficient at any time of day. Recent IV immunoglobulin therapy or active infection can alter the gamma fraction, so note these for accurate interpretation.
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What this test is for
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) separates the proteins in your blood into six fractions: albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2, and gamma globulins. The pattern across those fractions is a diagnostic aid for a wide range of conditions, including chronic inflammation, liver disease, nutritional and protein-losing states, and immune deficiencies. Its most important use is detecting a monoclonal protein band, the abnormal spike that signals monoclonal gammopathies such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and MGUS, which is why it is commonly ordered when there is unexplained bone pain, anemia, high total protein, kidney dysfunction, or elevated calcium.
This is the fractionated test: a plain Total Protein result gives one number, and the Total Protein and Albumin panel adds the albumin-to-globulin ratio, but neither can separate the globulins or reveal a monoclonal band the way electrophoresis does. If a band is found, immunofixation or free light chain testing is the usual next step to characterize it.
Biomarkers tested
Includes 10 biomarkers
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Method
- Electrophoresis
- Measures
- Mass concentration
Total protein adds up albumin and globulins, the workhorses that hold fluid in your blood vessels, carry hormones and nutrients, and fuel your immune defenses. Low levels point toward liver disease, kidney loss of protein, malnutrition, or poor absorption, while high levels can flag chronic inflammation or dehydration. It's a quick baseline check within a metabolic panel, and if your levels drift off, it usually leads straight to albumin and globulin breakdowns to pinpoint what's driving it.
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Fast, dashboard-delivered results
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
Everything your health needs,
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
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Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost — covering the lab and what it takes to run the service — never a profit on the test itself; Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9/mo, and you still pay the lab’s order fee. Prices are itemized before you pay, with no hidden fees.
Where do I get tested?
Choose a partner lab (Quest, Labcorp, or BioReference) at checkout. If your cart spans multiple tests, we consolidate the whole order onto a single lab so you only make one visit.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. This test is HSA/FSA eligible, and you can pay with your HSA/FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results post to your dashboard once your lab completes them, then a clinician reviews them and your full analysis and personalized action plan (with clear next steps) follow. Turnaround varies by test: specialty assays and at-home kits take longer, and each test shows its expected turnaround before you buy.
Do I need a doctor’s order?
No. Mito provides the lab order for you, so you can book and get tested without a separate doctor visit.
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